off the hook: filet crochet baby cardi

Well, it's been a journey. 

I started this little madam of a project just after Christmas (I'm still pretty sure that was only yesterday) and it was a faithful friend through my commute, a holiday with the in-laws and a few knit club sessions. It's my first ever crochet garment and wasn't without its struggles. I had to fudge a lot of the stitch counts and came to the conclusion that even if the sleeves weren't right, if they at least matched it would all be okay. And it was, until it came to joining the sleeves into the yoke (gulp). The pattern became rather vague at this point. I read it over and over, decided that what I thought it could most logically mean, then I just had to go for it. 

*Major props to my lovely knit club pals who scrutinised the pattern with me and helped me demystify it!* 

Anytime I've been stuck with a pattern in the past, I've found the only way is to just dive in, give it a go and see if it turns out right. Generally it does, or it helps you get your head around the design and you can figure out how to fix it. Confession time: I'm firmly in the 'soldier on' camp when it comes to knitting and crochet – if I make a mistake I can get away with, I'd rather get the item finished than start all over again. Obviously there are limits to this, but this tiny pink cardi was most definitely a 'soldier on' project. 

So this first mini crochet garment was a challenge, but I definitely learnt a lot about construction. I used Lang's Golf cotton DK again, which is a bit splitty for my liking, but has a glorious sheen. While I wouldn't use this DMC pattern again (once is enough!), I am really happy with the finished cardigan/bolero. I love love LOVE the scalloped edging and the powerful pink. And of course, it would be nothing without those wooden apple buttons (from The Makery). Ah. All done at long last. It's been blocked and will be posted off to a special little lady this week. 

All project deets on Ravelry!